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Arkansas State Dominates South Alabama 45-10

Arkansas State didn't need J.D. McKissic as they completely dominated South Alabama 45-10. Fredi Knighten had 266 all-purpose yards and accounted for three touchdowns for the Red Wolves.

Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Arkansas State capitalized on four turnovers and held South Alabama to under 50 yards of total offense through the first three quarters as the Jaguars offense just couldn't do anything right.

It goes down as USA's worst loss in school history.

The Jaguars entered the game missing eight starters who were out with injuries, including starting quarterback Brandon Bridge. And it was very obvious. Second string quarterback Matt Floyd got the start and was constantly under pressure as A-State blitzed to their hearts content.

Then to make matters worse, Jaguar wide receiver Marvin Shinn suffered a broken leg late in the first quarter. The injury happened on a 4th and 3 pass into the end zone when Shinn came down awkwardly after battling for the ball. By that point the Jaguar defense was getting winded against Arkansas State's relentless offensive tempo, but Shinn's injury seemed to gut the whole team.

Arkansas State quarterback Fredi Knighten finished the game with 266 all-purpose yards by going 17-of-32 for 186 yards and two touchdowns through the air and adding 80 yards on 14 attempts with another touchdown on the ground. Michael Gordon added 77 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown.

ASU's Dijon Paschal led all receivers with 95 yards on five catches and a touchdown while Tres Houston caught 6 passes for 41 yards.

South Alabama quarterbacks combined to go 9-of-25 for 90 yards and three interceptions. Floyd threw two interceptions and lost a fumble when the ball flew out of his hands while attempting to throw a pass. Third string quarterback Hunter Vaughn was the team's leading rusher with 38 yards on nine carries. Berron Tyson came in late in the fourth quarter to run for 34 yards on four attempts and the only Jaguar touchdown of the game.

The overall stats do not show how dominate the Red Wolves were in this game:

Rushing Yards Passing Yards Total Yards
Arkansas State 214 186 400
South Alabama 111 90 201

Arkansas State (6-3, 4-1 SBC) will host Appalachian State next Saturday at 2pm. South Alabama (5-4, 4-3 SBC) will return home to host Texas State for their final conference game of the season and another shot at getting bowl eligible.